Building a positive, nurturing mentoring relationship with a child in need can alter the course of their life. Did you know you have the potential to help a child to do better in school? Prevent bullying? Reduce the crime rate? It’s true!

The Peer Project - Youth Assisting Youth matches youth mentors (aged 16 to 29) with newcomer and at-risk kids (aged 6-15), so they can build a friendship that encourages a healthy lifestyle. While a noble and principled cause, some may find the responsibility for altering the course of a young life an intimidating task. Like trying to make it from the kitchen sink to the freezer with a recently filled ice-cube tray in hand… without spilling a single drop. (bead of sweat rolls down forehead)

Fear not! Volunteer Toronto spoke with Michael Kwong, a volunteer with the Peer Project, to find out more about peer mentoring. Thankfully, perfection is not a necessity. He states that the ability to be there for your mentee and active listening are traits of a good mentor.

If you possess these attributes and are thinking about peer mentoring, keep reading for more information.

How would you describe the role of a Peer Mentor?

MK:A Peer Mentor is an individual who is, first and foremost, committed to building a positive relationship with their mentee. This can include partaking in different activities with the mentee to learn more about each other and staying in touch with the mentee's parents.

What common misconceptions do people have about mentoring?

MK: The notion that the mentor has the answers to everything. Mentors are human. However, a good mentor is there for the mentee when they need them, even if they don’t have the all the answers.

What is the time commitment involved?

MK: With the Peer Project it's three hours a week.

What type of training is provided for your role?

MK: A day of training was provided to prospective volunteers to equip them with the knowledge to become successful mentors.

* In addition to their initial training, which includes the topic of mental health so mentors can understand and help their mentees, peer mentors receive ongoing training and also have access to 24-hour support.

What skills and characteristics do you feel contribute most to success in your volunteer work?

MK: The most important characteristic and skill you can have when it comes to being a successful mentor is the passion for making a difference in the community and good leadership skills. Being a good leader involves leading by example, taking responsibility for one’s actions and a commitment to learning and improvement.

What do you like most about volunteering for the Peer Project?

MK: The flexibility. Not being confined to a set day and time enables me to schedule meetings with my mentee that work perfectly for the both of us.

What’s been surprising or challenging about your volunteer work?

MK: One of the challenges associated with mentoring is the process of building a relationship with your mentee and developing trust. However, with some time and patience, the mentor-mentee relationship that develops is priceless.

If mentoring with The Peer Project - Youth Assisting Youth sounds like something you’d be interested in, go to their Become A Mentor page to get more information. There are over 400 kids who are waiting to be matched. They need YOUR help.

Check out this digital story by Olivia Plummer
to learn the life lessons she learned from her mentor.

Samantha Glave is a writer and editor whose work is regularly published on the Ontario Public Service’s intranet. When she’s not writing, you can find her watching science-fiction, doing kettle bell workouts or reading the
latest research on raising the ‘strong-willed’ child. She lives in Toronto with her husband and their six-year old son.